What to do in Sydney this May
As the weather cools, nightlife, comedy, art and great events are just heating up.
Get your cheap ticket to Sydney Opera House
Experience an extraordinary line-up of musicians and dancers for just $10. This week-long event under the stars celebrates the Opera House’s 50th anniversary.
Monday 1 May to Sunday 7 May, 7pm to 9pm
Have a laugh at Sydney Comedy Festival
Sydney’s biggest annual comedy event is back. Get your tickets to see one of hundreds of hilarious comedians.
Until 21 May
See the complete works of Australian photographer Steve McCurry
Set against the backdrop of Sydney’s dazzling harbour foreshore, the ICONS exhibition immerses you in the photographic universe of Steve McCurry, through a journey that took him to some of the most beautiful and harrowing parts of the world. ICONS is a truly fascinating collection of images in which the human element is always the protagonist.
Every day
Explore the Juanita Nielsen Community Centre
The popular community centre in Woolloomooloo offers a jam-packed program of family friendly activities, games, live music, entertainment and free popcorn and hot dogs for its open day. Check out the state-of-the-art gym, exercise classes and affordable membership options.
Saturday 6 May from 10am to 1pm
Enjoy a day out with family and friends at Sydney Streets on Redfern Street
The outdoor fun comes to Redfern Street, with plenty of live music, entertainment and street-side dining. There’ll be painting classes, clothes swaps, DJs, food stalls and more.
Saturday 13 May from 11am to 10pm
Check out White Rabbit Gallery’s latest exhibition before it ends
The artists in Shuo Shu map the evolution of the story from timeless myths and literary romances to political propaganda and modern-day censorship.
Until Sunday 14 May
Celebrate the mums in your life for Mother’s Day
From high teas and buffets to lunches, cruises and more – see what’s happening in Sydney for Mother’s Day.
14 May
Shake a leg at Sydney Streets on Stanley Street
The popular Darlinghurst strip will come to life with some of the best food and drink our city has to offer. From La Farmacia to Harrys by Giuls, Flave to Bill and Toni’s – there’s so much good food on offer. Plus, DJs will fill the street with tunes from Stanley’s Bar, Verde Restaurant and the Lord Roberts Hotel.
Saturday 20 May from 11am to 10pm
Join Sydney's most sought-after dance fitness class
It’s time to dance in the dark. This 45-minute workout fuses boxing, twerking, toning and cardio, with a soundtrack featuring the best beats of the decade.
Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Visit Hyde Park Barracks’ annual art commission
This art installation brings together First Nations perspectives from Australia and the Pacific to explore the history of the UNESCO world heritage listed Hyde Park Barracks as a site of migration.
Every day, 9am to 5pm
Have an unforgettable live theatre experience
Little Eggs Collective has adapted one of the most influential science fiction tales of all time – Metropolis – into a live theatre performance, showing at Hayes Theatre.
Tuesdays to Saturdays, until Sunday 21 May
Hear contemporary stories from the queer community
Queer As Fiction is a collection of contemporary stories from the queer community. Hear these stories come to life at Green Square Library with Ce Benny.
Saturday 20 May from 2pm to 3pm
Hear new ideas at Sydney Writers’ Festival
Australia's largest celebration of literature, stories and ideas is back with more than 300 events across various Sydney venues.
Monday 22 May to Friday 28 May 2023
Spark your sense of wonder at Sydney Vivid Festival
The lights, music and ideas festival will spark the soul of our city with creative brilliance for 23 days and nights.
Friday 26 May to Saturday 17 June